Brine recipe for a turkey....

Posted by J Appledog on November 05, 2001 at 10:15:13:

Cat
shared this brine recipe with me about a year ago. I have brined
pheasants and turkeys and quail in it with rave reviews so, wanting no
surprises, I chose this for the turkey competition. Even some of the
judges asked for the recipe, so here it is. Thanks again, Cat!

Brine:
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup maple syrup
3/4 cup coarse salt
3 whole heads garlic, cloves separated, but not peeled, and bruised
6 large bay leaves
1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped unpeeled fresh ginger
2 teaspoons dried chile flakes
1-1/2 cups soy sauce
3 quarts water
Handful of fresh thyme sprigs

Combine all the brine ingredients in an enamel or stainless steel
pot. Bring to a boil, remove from heat and let cool completely. Rinse
the turkey well, and
put it in a large enamel, stainless steel or food-grade plastic pot
or bucket. Cover with the cold brine and add more water if the brine
doesn't cover the
turkey. Put a plate on top of the turkey to hold it under the brine.
Refrigerate for 2-4 days, turning the bird twice a day. (When you
turn the turkey be sure to empty the brine out of the body cavity
before you turn it or it splashes everywhere.)